Double direct templating of periodically nanostructured ZnS hollow microspheres

Hollow capsules are both technologically and scientifically interesting. “Smart ” nano- and microcontainers could lead new catalysts, structures for the controlled release of chemicals, and materials that may even mimic some properties of living cells.1,2 The synthesis of core-shell particles and capsules is a rapidly evolving area for these and other applications.3 In this context, several groups have synthesized and analyzed the permeation of polymeric hollow capsules using a combination of electrostatic or hydrogen bonded layer-by-layer self-assembly, colloid templating, and sacrificial core etching.3a,4 Significant efforts are similarly focused on the synthesis of inorganic mesoporous materials with 1-50 nm diameter pores, the ideal size for controlling macromol-ecule transport and adsorption.5 Among the numerous approaches for obtaining these mesostructured materials, lyotropic liquid crystal templating emerges for its simplicity.6 This approach uses the self